• Middle Creek Park, Dinsmore Woods,
  (9.5 mi total - moderate to occasional strenuous)
  Located in Boone County, Northern Kentucky.
  An area of Pleistocene glaciation (more), with thick forest, hills, and overlooks in Middle Creek Park, plus the Dinsmore homestead and woods offering much the same across the street.
  The Boone County Cliffs Cliffs are about 2 miles away.
  
  
• Caesar Creek SP Backpacking Trail
  (14 mi around southern tip of lake)
  Located off I-71 N, near Waynesville
  Looking for a challenge?
  Unless it's changed, this one has everything...poorly marked trails, unmapped forks, rickety bridges and stream crossings. If you like adventure, this one might fit the bill. Note: To complete the loop, cross back over on Rt. 73
  
  
• Germantown Metro Park
  Located about 35 miles away, Southeast of Dayton
  (11 mi of trails)
  Dayton has a great series of parks, with well marked trails and lots of scenery. Although Twin Creek MP is closer, this one is better. Offers hiking in forest, field and creekside.
  
  
• Miami University Natural Areas
  (15 mi of trails)
  Located just east of Oxford
  The trails at Hueston Woods don't do much for me. I like these trails much better. Trails that connect several preserves together extend to the northeast from Oxford. One connects to the Art Museum!
  
  
• Spring Grove Cemetery
  (2 - 5 hours)
  OK, I know this isn't really a hike. But if you're up for spending an incredibly interesting 2-5 hours outside in the second largest cemetery in the US, go for this one. Stop at the office when you enter to get the Historical Walking Tour map and the jogging routes map. Trust me on this one.

Great hike South of Dayton:

Narrows Reserve and Nature Center

This hike is about 5.5 miles. You can add another couple miles by hiking nearby Glen Thompson Reserve.

The Narrows is located near Beavercreek; about 50 miles from Cincinnati. It is an easy trail along the Little Miami, with some challenging, but short, elevation changes. Great fossils can be found in the washed out areas that cross the trail. Also, birdwatching is fabulous. I was shown a ruby throated warbler on a recent trip.

Park at the Nature Center (which is excellent) and grab a map. From there you can hike upriver, with several smaller loops connecting.

The river can overflow the low lying areas easily, so take some waterproof boots (or some old gym shoes that you can tie to the back of your pack to dry). Tree crossings over flooded areas will probably be necessary to complete all the trails. As a friend once told me, "tree crossings require two things, bravery and balance."

HERE'S A HIKE EAST OF CINCINNATI

Great Seal State Park
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
Chillicothe, OH

I had heard so much about the 1/4 mile straight uphill that I had to try it (Trail Map).

The outdoor drama "Tecumsah" plays at the base of the this mountain inside Great Seal State Park near Chillicothe. I doubt even he could make it up this trail without stopping to rest.

I'm not sure if switchbacks hadn't been invented when this trail was made, or if they chose to make this hike extra aerobic, but it is definitely near straight up the side to the top.

In the fall and winter, the views from the top are great. The hike up is quite worth the drive. There are several other spots in the park that offer great hiking as well, most of which have lots of elevation changes within a thick deciduous forest.

HERE'S A HIKE SOUTH OF CINCINNATI

Doe Run Lake
Kenton County, KY

This is a great hike for those looking for somewhat of a challenge. The challenge park comes in when trying to hike around the west edge of the lake.

Here the trail is spotty at best, and at one point found myself in the middle of a stingy nettle field. Not pleasant.

The key is to stay next to the lake. Yes, there is a small path that borders the lake around the west edge

Give this hike a try, and you'll gain a great sense of accomplishment when you complete it.